Practical Information
Travelling to Britain – Practical Information
A network of car and passenger ferry services conveniently link a dozen British ports to northern and southern Europe.
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Britain’s national holidays – Practical Information
Bank holidays in Britain vary from nation to nation, and can reflect a change in prices, as well as offering additional seasonal activities for clients to enjoy.
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Guide to Britain for disabled travellers – Practical information
For comprehensive information relating to travelling around the UK, visiting attractions and useful links, please see our Guide to Britain for Disabled Travellers.
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VAT and tax free shopping – Practical Information
VAT is a 20% sales tax charged on most goods. Exceptions are food, books and children’s clothes. Visitors from outside the EU who stay less than three months may claim this tax back.
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Bringing pet dogs to the UK – Practical Information
For a long time, taking a dog to Britain for a holiday was unthinkable, as strict quarantine regulations applied. But since these regulations were relaxed in 2000, Britain has become a popular destination for dog owners.
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Time – Practical Information
During the winter months, Britain is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 10 hours behind Sydney. From late March until late October, the clocks go forward one hour to adhere to British Summer Time (BST).
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Opening hours – Practical Information
Opening hours in Britain are generally Monday-Saturday from 09:00 or 10:00 until 17.30. Outside of London and other main cities, many businesses, and shops operate reduced hours on Sundays or are closed, but in the larger cities most shops will be open.
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Public telephones – Practical Information
Visitors can use a payphone with coins or a card. All payphones accept 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 pieces; the newer ones also accept £2 coins. The minimum cost of a call is 60p.
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Postal services – Practical Information
Stamps can be bought at many outlets, including supermarkets and petrol stations. When writing to a British address, it is advisable to always include the postcode, which, if not known, can be obtained from Royal Mail.
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Pharmacists – Practical Information
There are many community pharmacies in towns and villages in and around the UK where pharmacists will be able to dispense medication, dispose of out-of-date medication and offer advice on minor ailments, as well as general health and wellbeing.
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Mobile phones and the internet – Practical Information
The UK network uses the 800, 900, 1400, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, 3400 and 3600-4000 MHz Dual (2g) / Tri (3g) / Quad (4g) and fifth generation (5g) bands, so visitors will need to confirm their handset runs one of these bands.
Your clients will need to contact their service provider directly for specific details.
Your clients will need to contact their service provider directly for specific details.
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UK customs regulations – Practical Information
Visitors can bring some goods from abroad without having to pay UK tax or ‘duty’ (customs charges), as long as they’re for their own use. It depends on the type of goods they're bringing in and where they're travelling from.
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Electricity
The voltage in Britain is 220/240 AC, 50 Hz. Electrical plugs have three rectangular pins and take fuses of 3, 5 and 13 amps.
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Travelling around Britain – Practical Information
When it comes to travelling around Britain, visitors are spoilt for choice. Whether they prefer to travel at their own pace by car, enjoy the convenience and value of train travel, or opt for coach or plane, there are plenty of options available.
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Passports and visas – Practical Information
Before travellers arrive in Britain they should make sure that they have the appropriate identification and the correct visa.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by plane
Internal air travel in Britain only makes sense over long distances, where it can save time – for example, London to Scotland, or to one of the many fantastic offshore islands.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by car
If your clients want to visit a place that has no access by rail, prefer to travel under their own steam, or if they simply like a little privacy while travelling, travelling by car is a great way to see Britain.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by train
Riding the rails is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to discover the real Britain. A fast and frequent rail network means that nearly all areas of Britain can be easily discovered by locomotive, as well as other methods of public transport.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by coach or bus
Travelling around Britain by coach will often save your clients money and offers a scenic alternative to travelling by train, especially if they are on a budget. Just be aware that the journey time will probably be longer to allow for traffic, stops and varying speed limits.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling within cities
Using public transport to travel around urban areas in Britain is fun, insightful and, more often than not, economical. It will give travellers a greater understanding of British people and the infrastructure, as well as helping them get their bearings in their destination.